Matilda and the succession crisis
I can describe the nature of Matilda's claim to the English throne.
Matilda and the succession crisis
I can describe the nature of Matilda's claim to the English throne.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Henry I had a male heir, William Adelin.
- William Adelin died on the White Ship in 1120.
- The death of William Adelin prompted a succession crisis in England.
- The English barons swore to recognise Matilda as the heir.
- Stephen of Blois took the crown following Henry I's death.
Keywords
Legitimate - legitimate means to be born of parents legally married to each other
Heir - an heir is a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another person upon that person’s death
Baron - a baron is a great lord or landholder in a kingdom
Succession crisis - a succession crisis is a situation in which there is no clear heir to a position
Common misconception
Women were forbidden from ruling in their own right in England during the medieval period.
The first time the concept of a woman ruling in her own right in England occurred it took everyone by surprise. No one had considered that a woman might rule alone, so there was no law preventing it from happening.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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